Wind turbine syndrome

Ontario could probably allay most concerns about wind turbines if it adopted similar rules to other jurisdictions about where they can be built.

When wind turbines first began, they were installed a fair distance away from people. As the population has grown and remote locations have dried up, wind turbines have been moved closer to where people live.

In Ontario, at present, the law states wind turbines should be 400 metres away from buildings. Other countries have suggested 1.5 to two kilometres away.

The provincial government needs to protect its own citizens and pay attention to these concerns.

Wind turbines could potentially be a major benefit to the environment. However, to residents living close to wind turbines they may be a health disaster.

Further research is needed to explain why residents living close to wind turbines are reporting adverse health effects and figure out exactly what is a safe distance.